The Songwriter Forum - songwriting reviews, tips and chat
Songwriter Forum => The Bar => Topic started by: Neil C on March 20, 2020, 05:39:57 PM
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Ok so given the virus and need to stay distance and self isolate, which seems an anathema to us humans, and pubs and gigs are shout down, what are you doing to keen the flame alive and sane?
I’m going to try some online conferenced songwriting circle. Need to sort the tech out but most conferencing services should be good enough for audio, video might be variable for some I guess.
So please share other ideas
Keep well
:-) Neil
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I have joined a FB group Covid Gig (The Festival At Home) where lots of guys are posting videos of their live performances. Just made a couple of vids and it's good practice for playing live again which I hope to do when this is all over
Take care all.....
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I'm trying to figure out what's really going on ;)
Good luck with that, Neil...looks really interesting.
And great work, PJ :)
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Oh yeah, I knocked up a little website today as a portal for my music as it's on a lot of different platforms and good to have one place to put everything!
https://pompeyjazz.wordpress.com/
Love to you all
John
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This is what Tech says about free conferencing for information:
https://www.techradar.com/uk/best/best-video-conferencing-software#best-free-video-conferencing-software-at-a-glance
:-)
neil
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Anyone on here fancy giving this a go amongst ourselves some time in the next few days?
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Paul, I'd be up for it one evening. I'll let you know how I get on with the collab technology, if you sort out what and how we'd do the session.
:-)
neil
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Yeah ! Well up for it :)
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I'm a little shy but I could chime in. If little else I could be the group's version of the prisoners' pom-pom "girls" from The Mean Machine and offer up some moral support.
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How's it looking with the video tech stuff @Neil C (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=18856) @PaulAds (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20253) ? I'm quite happy to do some more research into it tomorrow if you guys are busy but it would be great to have a virtual catchup. I don't know why we haven't thought of this before tbh ! Anyway, would love to see everyone join in and maybe our first session could be a chat, just to say hello to each other and discuss what we could do
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A community I'm part of has met twice recently, using Zoom. If you're okay with limiting the meeting time to 40 minutes or less, it's free for up to 100 people. Plus, if you run out of time, you can immediately start a new 40-minute meeting, if you want. We did that once. I think this might be a special they're doing because of the coronavirus, but I would have to look it up to be sure.
We looked at Skype, but the free version limits meetings to 10 people for 60 days and 3 people after that, if I remember right.
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I used to use a website called Tinychat back in the day to host video calls with friends in the states. I don’t think there was any limit to the number of people. I’m sure there’s quite a few sites like this around now
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I checked out a few possibile ways of doing it...but got a bit tied up in other things!
I will have another look later today...but i thought Zoom looked pretty good...the 40 minute thing isn't a problem, really.
I think it's a great idea. I'll have a think about how we could maybe approach things too...but that's a good idea @pompeyjazz (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20269) about just doing a fairly short thing initially to say "hello" etc and see if things work ok...then we can see where to go from there...
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@PaulAds (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20253) I'll download Zoom today and maybe we could test it out later ?
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Absolutely, John @pompeyjazz (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20269) I'll give you a shout once I'm ready to go 😃
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I downloaded to desktop and mobile and tested @PaulAds (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20253) It seems pretty easy to use. Gimme a shout when you're ready
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Drum kit in the loft....working at home soon ...
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Can I watch ? :-)
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John and I tested this just now...works fine and was pretty easy to set up. I signed up with Zoom for a free account...verified the account, downloaded the relevant software and then invited John along to the meeting.
Audio quality was ok for chatting but i did a couple of test recordings and it was pretty grim for guitar/vocal...not surprising, I guess...as that's probably not really what it's meant for...
If anyone else wants to join in for a several-way chat please give us a shout on the thread and we'll see if we can get a group chat going...
Everyone welcome, of course...i think that'd be great if we can get a few involved...nothing serious, of course...just a few quick "hello"s and maybe a minute or so to introduce yourselves, etc and we can take it from there...
Anybody up for a songwriter forum natter sometime? If so, wecan arrange a convenient time for us to give it a go.
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Count me in. I'll be available after work.
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This is actually a great idea. I'll try to pop in but not entirely sure what I'd offer.... ;D
It could turn out to be the first virtual steps to having a forum get together that's been much mentioned on the forum at various stages over the years!
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Let me know and, if I'm available, I'll be there. If I don't forget.
One thing I noticed about Zoom (maybe this is universal, I don't know)...only one person can make noise at a time. It seems like the loudest person gets the mic. So, no duets. We tried in my group here. The harmony voice blocked the melody voice. Oops!
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Oh, a completely different way to get together virtually...streetjelly.com (and others like it). Only one person can have the video, and you can't chat out loud; it's all done by typing in. Like Messenger. But if one person wanted to play and the rest of us listen, it's better quality than Zoom for music. Anyone in the world (who's on streetjelly) can log in, though. I don't know if there's a way to limit who can attend the "concert".
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I did a 5 way video conference with Zoom yesterday evening and it worked very well
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Hi guys, if im about when you organise it I’d be happy to join.
Cheers
Jamie
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Ok all. I'm suggesting 8pm this Friday 27th March. It's my birthday as well so we could all meet up for a virtual beer. You need to download the Zoom app on your mobile or tablet as well. I will post a link on this thread at 19:55 UK time and as long as you have the app installed it should work. Have done quite a few of these calls over the past few days and all have worked well although not so good away from wifi which is not a problem now. Let me know if you're in and I sincerely hope that you are all OK.
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Count me in too, if it's at a time when I'm up and about, and if I can figure out the tech-i part :)
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Cool...I'm in!
Been a bit tied up for a day or two...but fine now :)
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Well, most days 8:00pm your time would work great for me (3:00pm my time), but Friday that's right in the middle of therapy time, so I'll miss. But keep me in the loop for future gatherings, please!
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Reaper users I think this is what you are looking for! #ninjam
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How cool is that ?
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Just a reminder that I'll be hosting a video call this evening at 20:00 UK time via Zoom - You need to download the Zoom App to your table or phone for this to work. I'll post a link to the meeting at 19:55
Hope to see some of you guys later - It's just going to be an informal chit chat to say hello....
Cheers
John
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Yeah, come on...drop in and say "happy birthday" to John Pompeyjazz in person (sort of)
Everybody more than welcome :)
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awww - I'm busy at 4:00 PM EST or I'd have liked to join in. :(
Hope you guys have a good chat - maybe have another one later I can get in on.
Stay safe all!!
Happy birthday John - I love your music! :D
Paul
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OK John see you then.
@Paulski (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=19241) shame, I enjoyed chatting to on the songwriters podcast what seems a lifetime ago.
Keep well
:-) neil
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I should be available (unless I fall asleep from exhaustion - what a week!).
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i cant be at the party john but happy birthday mate
all the best to you
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Don't think I can be there but Happy Birthday and here's to many more. Birthdays and chats.
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Zoom link here
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/699379841?pwd=QjltZjdNMFpuYVpzVGNKNWhhV1NqZz09
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@Sterix (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=22024) @PaulAds (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20253) @Neil C (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=18856)
Great to catch up :)
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Yeah....worked out really well!
Looking forward to the next time :)
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I realised after we'd finished I couldn't place a forum name with a human name (probably the drink!).
Who wanted "Run", who wanted "Is It Time To Go Home?" and who gets the "lucky dip"? :p
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Run, please :)
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Just read this post. I thought it might still be going on but and sadly missed the time. Still, Hapoy Birthday John.
Paul
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https://www.facebook.com/david.giles.3745/videos/10157717400466321/
Not sure whether to do a new thread for this but since it's CV related...
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We'll get another one set up Paul @Wicked Deeds (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=19231) .8pm next Friday if that works for everyone. The technology worked well and it would be lovely to see a few more of you guys. Bring your own booze though
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I'll have the lucky dip @Sterix (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=22024) Great to have a chat with you guys
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Happy birthday John,sorry I couldn’t join, I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunities in the coming weeks and months. Hope it went well!
Stay well!
Jamie
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Happy birthday John, hope you had a good one, despite being isolated! Will try to make it next friday or at the next conference :)
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It was a great to put faces and voices to some names. Happy to do it again next week. I'll get lyrics to peeps shortly.
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On the general topic of 'coping with isolation' I have to say I'm finding it difficult to try to be creative at the moment. I find it's easier to distract myself with mundane tasks such as digging in the garden or getting unwanted stuff ready to take to the tip (which is closed anyway). I'm finding that the general national/global mood of apprehension and misery has suppressed the inner muse. Hopefully it will return after this unwanted holiday!
Is anyone in the same boat, or has anybody not been particularly affected creatively? Or even, by contrast, is anyone more productive than normal? I find it both interesting and mysterious how this creativity thing works.
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@MichaelA (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=21274) - a bit of both actually, edm stuff is really hard for me at the moment, but acoustic is easier, I’m revisiting Classical guitar...Cowparsleydaughter is busy re learning Moonlight Sonata 3rd movement which inspires me to attack a Bach Courante which i learned and forgot a year or 2 ago, but i love playing it.
I’m also toying with an idea of a funk number which references some members here...
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Just monkeying about doing the left hand while she’s doing the right, laughs a plenty, not a single note is right, les dawson eat your heart out!!!!!
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Well @cowparsleyman (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=21308) , even a comedy attempt at Moonlight Sonata Third is pretty amazing. Your daughter must be almost a genius. But keep going with that left hand part, which is super complicated in itself. Or maybe you should go back to the First Movement. I reckon even I could learn that. Plus it is beautiful too!
Anyway thanks, you have given me an idea what to do. I shall practice guitar as I have been stuck in a rut on the same average level for years. It's just that I would rather write songs and come up with song structures than actually do the hard work of learning to be a technically better player. But seeing as I am in the dead zone creatively I think I will look up some YouTube intermediate lessons or something.
Cheers Rich - and good luck with the Beethoven!
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I just got a text message and a letter from my GP surgery (they're working late it seems). I'm marked down as vulnerable at at risk of getting it bad and been told to isolate for 12 weeks!
Reading the letter, though, it says to limit proximity to other members of the household during this time so I'm just wondering - is it the sofa full time or will she be nice and alternate with me? :P
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Anyone up for a Zoom chat - 20:00 UK time this Friday - I'll set it up ???
Cheers
John
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At this moment, I dont have anything more important to do, so that would have been brilliant, i`ll bring some beers :p
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I’ll be there 😀
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Ps I’m still at work, of course...with being an nhs driver...but I think I’m really lucky to still be able to work.
I’m not really writing much at the minute...just tidying up the stuff I wrote in February...and a couple of other recent below-par vocal performances...same old story :)
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Hopefully I'll be awake for it! Last few days I've been feeling okay whilst working but then just feeling drained and falling asleep. By the time I wake up the wife wants me to spend some time with her and then it's time for bed. Feel like I'm heading that way again now... Zzzzzzz
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I'm just going to set up the Zoom meeting now as a scheduled meeting, so if you click on this link tomorrow at 20:00 UK time you should see a few of us :) - I've set it up for a few weeks - @Boydie (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=18510) - Could you possibly make this a sticky post so folks know where to go ?
Cheers
John
John Bradley is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: UK Songwriter Forum Friday Bar
Time: Apr 3, 2020 08:00 PM London
Every week on Fri, until May 15, 2020, 7 occurrence(s)
Apr 3, 2020 08:00 PM
Apr 10, 2020 08:00 PM
Apr 17, 2020 08:00 PM
Apr 24, 2020 08:00 PM
May 1, 2020 08:00 PM
May 8, 2020 08:00 PM
May 15, 2020 08:00 PM
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Weekly: https://us04web.zoom.us/meeting/uJUqdeioqD4iZUovv_qILKsPKTwoqspXug/ics?icsToken=98tyKuypqTkrGtKQuFz9Z7ctE4Xib9-1i0t7pbVLow7MLwtAUijCIe1TIaJHBd-B
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/517210658?pwd=R3ZZUm9GY28zaXRueTJxalZLcVNnZz09
Meeting ID: 517 210 658
Password: 420422
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Stickied ;D
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Cheers @Boydie (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=18510) ;)
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Great to see all of you fellow forumites on the call tonight. Didn't realise that it was possible to fit so many people on one screen. Same time next week :) :)
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Ha ha...aye...it was like watching celebrity squares :P
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I want to join in when I can, but I'm getting conflicting reports of the actual time. It's 8:00 pm in the UK, right? I looked that up somewhere and it said 3:00 pm my time (Central Daylight Time). I downloaded the ICS file and imported into my calendar, which is now telling me it's at 2:00 pm my time. If it's 2:00 pm, I can make it the 17th only, I think. Better than never. :D If it's 3:00 pm, I can make it most weeks.
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If you're CDT you're 5 hours behind UST and if you're CST you're 6 hours behind UTC. But... we here in the UK are now in BST (British Summer Time) so we're +1 hour on that. So you are currently 6 hours behind us (I think they both change on the same day so you should ALWAYS be 6 hours behind). So you're 2PM when we are 8PM.
So see you on the 17th! ;)
About time they ditched this changing times I think. It's more annoying than anything...
[EDIT] 8PM Fridays doesn't have to be the ONLY time/day, btw. I/someone else can always arrange other chat times/days on top of this one.
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Thanks, @Sterix (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=22024) . That resolved my confusion. The 17th it is! For now....
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Just a reminder that if anyone would like to join our Friday evening Zoom chat session the link is here
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/517210658?pwd=R3ZZUm9GY28zaXRueTJxalZLcVNnZz09
It's all very informal and just a chance to catch up and say hello really. Unfortunately however you do have to bring your own drinks.
Hope to see you around on Friday evening
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John, so lockdown finishes sometime after 15th May?
You have secret sources?
:-) N
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To be continued I expect..........................
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Fabulous to see you all on "Celebrity Squares" again tonight !
Tune in next week :)
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D'oh! I thought this would be 4:00 PM my time which is 8:00 PM on the forum clock but I guess I missed it!
I clicked the link and met with myself but I didn't have anything new to say to myself, so it wasn't much fun and I left :(
Must be 3:00 PM my time which means the forum clock is one hour later than meeting time...
Oh well maybe next week ;D ;D
Paul
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Hey ! @Paulski (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=19241) It would be great to see you next week and indeed anyone else. We had a lovely informal natter and a nice glass of red wine. Same time, same place next week :)
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So, does the Zoom meeting just stay active all the time? I tried logging in just to see and, sure enough, there I was in a meeting all by myself (it's 3:40pm here right now). I've done Zoom meetings but, if I am the host, when I leave, it asks me to end the meeting or appoint a new host. So I didn't know you could leave them open like that. It looks like any of us could arrange to log in at any time and chat. ;D ;D ;D ::) :P
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I've had nothing to do all week and then the online 'pub quiz' my wife wanted to do clashed with this! We came last, as we were the only couple not assisted by google and Wikipedia, so it was an honourable last placing! Probably...
Anyway I will join in sooner or later. Take care everybody!
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There is a 40 minute limit on the free version of Zoom but of course I'm now being bombarded with messages to upgrade. If it helps you @CaliaMoko (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=19928) it is currently 22:06 in the UK, same time in Pompey, Manchester, Liverpool and Tyneside :)
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I have experienced the 40-minute limit; however, your meeting is still open even now. I just went and checked again. Also, the last free Zoom meeting I hosted had a pop-up, right in the middle of everything, saying the 40-minute limit was lifted and we could meet as long as we wanted. We got all excited and stopped rushing madly to get done and ended going for about an hour and a half. Maybe the limit has been lifted for you too, and that's why I can still, at this moment, log into your [empty] meeting?
Or maybe this is what's happening: https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/how-to/software/zoom-40-minute-limit-3785767/ (https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/how-to/software/zoom-40-minute-limit-3785767/)
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Well Vicki, I'm here now
Saw a view of your home but nothing else !
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Well, for some strange reason I had a great view of Vicki's apartment and had a lovely chat with @Paulski (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=19241) See ya next week guys !
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Nice apartment Vicky :D
Sorry for keeping you up so late @pompeyjazz (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20269) ;D ;D
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Damn. If I'd have known... but I ended up playing Sims after the 8Pm chat and those littl ebuggers are worse than my cats for seeking attention! :p
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Oh, I must have forgotten to log off...while I went into the music room and started setting up my new music computer. Oops!
So now you know. Just keep logging in and see if anyone's there!
I'm not up late. It's only 7:00pm here. :D
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I’ll come along next Friday too
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Me too, I’m looking forward to it,
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EDITED
Well...today, I decided to re-record a version of one of my absolute favourite songs...I had done a rough version...but thought I'd try to do it "properly" as I'd found a midi file with loads of goodies on it...so a synth, a piano track and some pad thing is on here from that.
I'll probably only leave it up there for a few days...as it's obviously a cover version...
It's such a lovely uplifting song...almost enough to make you think that better days are just around the corner*
I hope someone somewhere likes it :)
* They aren't.
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Well, that injected some energy into my morning! I think it worked fine with the limited :Dd instrumentation. Very nice. I enjoyed it a lot.
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Hi @PaulAds (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20253) I'd forgotten what a fabulous song this is and you've certainly done it justice. I reckon it would work really well in a 3 piece - Gee the crowd were going bonkers !!!
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LOVE this song!!! Very realistic adoring fans!! What fun!
Reminds me of school.. completely threw me back... sounds bloody great!!!
Thanks for that @PaulAds (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20253) !!!
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Ta, folks! 'twas really fun to do.
What a song :)
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Very good @PaulAds (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20253), a nostalgic blast from the past given your own special treatment. In another universe you wouldn't need the app for the crowd appreciation as it would be all authentic. Great live gig sound and arrangement.
I also like this song very much. It's a bit of a mystery to me still how some songs really pull at the heart strings with their melody, which often seem a little on the unique side, as if they are a different take on what's gone on so many times before. Sign of great songwriting I guess. The Holy Grail....
If I were an algorithm I would next play 'when love breaks down' by Prefab Sprout, similar era, similar uniqueness, again a fantastic melody.
I keep hoping to strike creative gold myself with one such similarly excellent tune. I don't think I have got there yet. But the fun of songwriting for me is that I always think that a world class classic is going to happen, I just need to keep plugin' away, ha ha!
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I noticed the link is getting buried, so I put it on my bookmarks. If you want to do that, here it is:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/517210658?pwd=R3ZZUm9GY28zaXRueTJxalZLcVNnZz09 (https://us04web.zoom.us/j/517210658?pwd=R3ZZUm9GY28zaXRueTJxalZLcVNnZz09)
I'm ready for next Friday!
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Hi All,
Here is the link if you want to catch up for a chat this evening at 20:00 UK time :)
Hope to see a few of you guys around
John Bradley is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: UK Songwriter Forum Friday Bar
Time: Apr 17, 2020 08:00 PM London
Every week on Fri, until May 15, 2020, 5 occurrence(s)
Apr 17, 2020 08:00 PM
Apr 24, 2020 08:00 PM
May 1, 2020 08:00 PM
May 8, 2020 08:00 PM
May 15, 2020 08:00 PM
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Weekly: https://us04web.zoom.us/meeting/uJUqdeioqD4iZUovv_qILKsPKTwoqspXug/ics?icsToken=98tyKuypqTkrGtKQuFz9Z7ctE4Xib9-1i0t7pbVLow7MLwtAUijCIe1TIaJHBd-B
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/517210658?pwd=R3ZZUm9GY28zaXRueTJxalZLcVNnZz09
Meeting ID: 517 210 658
Password: 420422
John
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Excellent!
I'm looking forward to seeing some friendly faces :)
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I think I'll manage it this time. If I don't space it out at the wrong time.
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Can we get back online?
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Yes.
Try
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82318025721?pwd=RWw3YlVnUVNnWDNnU3k0UGF5V0h4dz09
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Please wait - the meeting's host will let you in soon...
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Was great to see so many faces in today's meeting. Pity it had to end early. Hope to see some/most/all of you next week!
Btw... if the time isn't brilliant for any of you there's always the possiblity of other days/times. Just say in this thread.
See y'all next week.
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Great seeing all your friendly faces guys and gal ;D
Have a good weekend in lockdown ;D
Paul
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yeah...really enjoyed it :)
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Great catch up tonight, despite a few technical hitches meaning we lost a few meeting members ::) really nice to meet you all in virtual person, all those that patched in.
See you again soon hopefully.
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Yes, that was great! Unfortunately, my next two Fridays are taken with therapy, so I probably won't be able to make it. Although, when I get back, maybe I should log in to see if it's still going. I don't have the schedule beyond the next two weeks yet.
A few of us made it back after getting booted unexpectedly. And then the Zoom gods decided to lift the 40-minute limit, so we went on a little longer. :D
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Sorry for the technical hitches and having to leave you early. Lovely to see you all :)
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Yeah i really enjoyed putting faces and non singing voices to forum identities.
Like V I’m unable to attend next Friday but will attend thereafter.
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Great to see and hear you all last night, especially those across the big sea!
Keep well
:-)
Neil
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1. You can get around the 40-minute limit if you just start a new Zoom meeting when the first one ends. That's what we did yesterday.
2. Does anyone know how to get the microphone to work with Zoom, running it through a PreSonus interface? I could hear okay, but no one could hear me, so I had to unplug the interface to be heard. In retrospect, it may have worked to turn the interface off; I haven't tried that. But I would prefer to use the interface. I have more control over levels that way.
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Does anyone know how to get the microphone to work with Zoom, running it through a PreSonus interface? I could hear okay, but no one could hear me, so I had to unplug the interface to be heard. In retrospect, it may have worked to turn the interface off; I haven't tried that. But I would prefer to use the interface. I have more control over levels that way.
Never mind. I figured it out. Yay, me!
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Tee hee. After being at work all through the "pandemic" (including delivering suspected coronavirus samples to the hospital where they do all the local testing and the hospital where they sent most of the covid patients on a daily basis armed only with a bottle of hand sanitiser that I asked for) this week, I was issued with a kit containing gloves, face masks, aprons, anti bacterial wipes, disinfectant solution, clinical waste bags and a set of instructions telling me how to go about my daily routine whilst protecting myself and others.
I believe the situation peaked around April 8th.
The conversation kind of got choked off earlier on in the thread , so I didn't pursue it. But I feel obliged to say I have had serious misgivings about the way this was and is still being handled. There most probably is, I'm afraid, far worse to come. But not in the shape of a virus.
This is worth a read if you've 10 minutes to spare...
http://www.theblogmire.com/reflections-on-the-inevitable-effects-of-the-unnecessary-lockdown/
Other opinions are of course available...and I often wish I had one.